Fantasy Faire

Image of Mystic Realms performers dressed in fantasy garb during WheatonArts Fantasy Faire. There is a performer dressed in a colorful jester outfit and makeup playing a tambourine and leading a parade of other performers outside in front of the WheatonArts General Store. There is gold text at the top of the image that reads "Fantasy Faire".

Produced in partnership with Mystic Realms, Ltd.

FANTASY FAIRE
June 21 & 22, 2025

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine
A family-friendly festival of medieval folklore & fun!

This Year’s Story…

The Kingdom of Wheaton is a peaceful realm ruled by the good King William. The Kingdom is divided into four Baronies. The Barons of the North, South, East, and West each rule a portion of the Kingdom. Every year the King hosts the Tournament of Prosperity where each of the Barons brings a champion to compete for a chest of gold. 

The 2025 Story: Everyone knows there is no such thing as a demon, but rumors have been circulating that demons are possessing the good people of Wheaton. The Barons of the East and West are concerned. Accusations are made. Are the Fool and Rumplestilskin truly possessed? Can the Grymm Witches help? There is trouble once again in the Kingdom of Wheaton! 

The 2025 Story is told in a series of short performances on the Tournament Field at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Throughout the day there are five other stages full of acts and more than forty mechant shops to peruse.  The day concludes with the Tournament of Prosperity performed at 3:00PM.

Get Your Tickets Now!

The program schedule is subject to change. Please check back for updates.

Fantasy Faire is included with WheatonArts General Admission. Tickets are available online and at the front gate.

ADMISSION:
$12 Adults
$11 Seniors (62+)
$7 Students
Kids 5 & under are FREE
fantasy Faire Parade of Charaters
Costumed ninja and child posing for a picture during Fantasy Faire
Robin Hood and his band of men

Meet New Friends!

Meet the Pirates from Treasure Island as they run a rickety set of Pirate Games where everyone is a winner. Collect coins and turn them in for pirate prizes. (Fee)

At the Court of Miracles, children can meet Esmeralda and other characters from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and enjoy dancing and drumming techniques by individual and troupe performers. 

Storybook characters will teach your children to sing along to many well-known children’s songs.

Join the “Kingdom of Wheaton Scavenger Hunt” and get signatures from our friendliest characters! Available at the Front Gate. Collect a Pirate Coin once you’ve completed the hunt!

Meet the King, Queen, & Barons of the Kingdom of Wheaton strolling the streets.

Get candy & treats from the not-so-wicked Grymm Witches if you dare.

Keep your eyes open for the giant walking tree!

Come dressed in your own fantasy garbs and make connections with other fun-having people of all ages! 

Learn New Skills!

Spring Pole Raising & Dance 12:30 p.m. (children participate in the dance)
Join the traditional dance at 12:30 p.m. each day. We ask parents to encourage younger children by holding the ribbons and dancing with them in this joyous celebration!

Adventurer Training
Children can learn the skills of a heroic adventurer by completing various challenges. Can they avoid the webs and recover treasure from the Spider’s Lair? Will they be able to cross the Frog Pond by walking the lily pads? Can they solve the Wizards Puzzle? All these skills and more make an expert adventurer!

AXE Throwing
Feel like a Viking! With help from enthusiast instructors from Grizzly & Co, Adventure for Hire, learn how to safely throw tomahawks, Viking bearded axes, and double-bit Michigan axes! For ages 11 and older. 

Phoenix Swords Performances 
Watch these renowned performers from Phoenix Swords give authentic demonstrations of western martial arts.  Visitors may take introductory sword lessons ($5.00) throughout the day.

Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia (Saturday only!)
Watch as members from Markland re-enact medieval life by constructing and using reproductions of the period’s accouterments.

Archery in Sherwood Grove (fee-based)
Robin Hood and his merry band are visiting the Kingdom of Wheaton. They’ll teach people about archery, and you can practice your archery skills for a small donation to the band. There’s also knife and ax throwing!

Whip Cracking with the Whipsy Rover
Sean, “the Whipsy Rover,” travels the Kingdom of Wheaton teaching the art of the whip. Nothing captures attention in your favorite fantasy fiction than the sound of a cracking whip – Catwoman, Zorro, Indiana Jones, and others. It’s easy to get started, so come by for a demonstration and a free lesson. Sean will have you cracking in minutes, and if you like, you can walk away with your very own whip!

Traditional Dance
This informative show explains the steps and intents behind some of the most popular dances from the Medieval and Renaissance Periods. Audience participation is encouraged!

Heroes of Camelot
Meet Knights of King Arthur’s Round Table and other Heroes from the Arthurian Legend. Ages 16 and older and in good physical health can learn the theatric touch style of weapon combat used in Mystic Realms LARPs.

Create Fused Glass Charms, Talismans, & Suncatchers (fee-based)
Create a charm or talisman for role-playing games or daily life. Adorn pre-fused glass bases with pre-cut pieces of colorful glass and frit to fit your design. We will fire your piece and add a metal loop, lobster claw clasp, or cord. Projects will be ready for pick up or shipped (shipping rates apply) about one week after the event. Located in the Education Studio and available for ages 5 & up (with parental assistance). This glass fusing activity has a discounted fee of $10 per charm/talisman and $20 per suncatcher.

Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees and actors participate in maypole dance with other Faire attendees admiring on the sidelines.
Image of a Fantasy Faire performer outside dressed in a black tank top, white baggy pants, a black belt, black high boots, and silver and black bracers on each wrist. One hand is holding an axe with a green handle in a throwing position and the other hand is holding two more by the waist. More axes rest on wooden stands on both sides of the performer. There are wooden planks standing in the background like a wall with four circular slabs of wood with green and yellow circles painted onto them as targets. The circles are arranged in a square formation in the center of the wall. There is black netting around the wood and the ground is sandy.
Fantasy Faire 2019 dancers perform in front of a crowd of attendees in front of the American Museum of Glass.
Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees dressed in fantasy costumes stand next to a life-like tree creature outdoors.
3 Fantasy Faire Cosplayers
Fantasy Faire 2019 actors perform on the green stage in front of a watching audience outdoors.
Image of a Fantasy Faire performer dressed in a gown. The gown is a light beige and dusty blue cover. Much of the beige is under the blue sleeves, skirt, and boddice. The blue portion of the boddice is laced with matching light beige strings at the top of the skirt. The middle of the skirt is also beige. At the end of the sleeves is poofy white lace. The performer also has a blue bag with flowers handing from the strings and is wearing a green and gold hat with beige tulle flowing from the top of it. The performer is interacting with a children dressed in pink and wearing pink pig ears and a big nose. Both are standing outside at WheatonArts during Fantasy Faire.

Stage Performances

These are just a few of the many acts a day at the Kingdom of Wheaton has to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from kid’s shows to educational content.

Grymm Witches
The Grymm Witches are a hilarious mix of Shakespeare and silliness. Join these not-so-wicked witches as they tell their own “truthful” versions of traditional fairytales. And see them at their “Potion Brewing” show, where they will once again try to save the Kingdom of Wheaton.

Sing-A-Longs and Storytelling
Join your favorite storybook characters in the StoryBook grove. Shows throughout the day will have the characters singing children’s songs with audience participation. Parents and children can also listen to the characters read their favorite fairy tales with photo opportunities.

Gold E. Locks on Trial
Gold E. Locks is on trial for breaking, entering, and destroying private property. She maintains that she meant no harm. Is she just a naughty little girl, or did something else cause the calamity of errors?

Image of four members of the WheatonArts Glass Studio Team working inside of the WheatonArts Glass Studio in front of a crowd of people. One member is sitting at a glassblowing bench with a long metal rod with a large cobalt blue vase at the end of it. The team member is working on forming the handle on the other side of the vase. The glass that is being shaped is bright orange from the heat. The same team member also has a hand on the metal rod and is being assistant by the hands of a second team member, slightly off camera on the right side of the image. A third team member is using both hands on a large wooden paddled to help shape the handle. A fourth team member can be seen working in the background. Each team member is wearing clear goggles and a black t-shirt with white text that reads "WheatonArts".
Overhead closeup of clay-covered hands shaping a clay vessel on the potter's wheel
Image of WheatonArts Paper Artist Cherelle sitting at a wooden table inside of the WheatonArts Paper Studio. The table has a variety of colorful sheets of paper on top of it along with markers, four small dishes of paint, and a book. Cherelle is using a small paint roller on the piece in front of her. The roller is coated in green paint. There are two people standing in front of the table watch Cherelle's demonstration.
Image of a flameworked green and blue dragon. The body of the dragon is comprised of green and teal swirls while the scales and legs are a dark blue. The legs are curly and the dragon's tail is curled under it so that the dragon is standing up.
Image of a painter standing in front of a large mural. One hand is using a paint brush to paint a blue streak onto the canvas, while the other hand is holding a small tub of blue paint. The mural is of a large white swan on top of blue water. The background is blue with large pink flowers, green leaves, and dark blue stems. The painter has glasses, a black t-shirt, a white apron, and camouflage pants.

Craft Demonstrations

These are just a few of the many acts a day at the Kingdom of Wheaton has to offer. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from kid’s shows to educational content.

The Local Blacksmith
Meet Blacksmith Daniel Lapidow from Hebrew Hammer to learn about forge and metalwork!

Royal Glassblowing Studio
Witness the transformation of molten hot glass into fantastical objects by our Glass Studio Staff. 

Large Scale Mural Painting
On Sunday, June 22, watch as mural artist and glass painter J. Kenneth Leap demonstrates large-scale painting at the front gate.

Miniature Glass Dragons
Discover the magic of dragons forged from fire and glass in the Flamework Studio! Watch glass artist Deb DiMarco as she creates miniature glass dragons on Sunday.

Ship in a Bottle
Watch glass artist Jason Gordon in the Flamework Studio on Saturday as he creates ships in a bottle!  

Pottery Palace
Interact with the Ceramic Studio Team and watch as they craft drinking vessels.

Glass Pens
Cherelle Oriolo shall be showing visitors how to use a glass pen. Glass pens were well-known to late Renaissance-era scribes and scholars, and are still used today by artists, calligraphers and craftspeople. They are fun and easy to use. Cherelle will also have some hand-made ink for visitors to try out.

FREE Family Art Activities

Take a seat at the Family Art Activity Station for complimentary craft time! Recommended for ages 5 & above with parental assistance. Estimated times of 15 to 30 minutes per activity.

Roll-a-Dice Drawing Games
Get ready for a creative challenge with our roll-a-dice drawing game! Using our fun game sheets, participants will roll a die to determine different features for their drawing—whether it’s a bird, a cat, or a spider. Each roll decides an element like the shape of the body, eyes, wings, tail, or whiskers, making every drawing unique and unexpected! This playful activity encourages artistic expression, quick thinking, and lots of laughs, as no two creations will be the same. Roll, draw, and let your imagination take flight!

Rainbow Mane Unicorn
Create your own magical unicorn in this rainbow mane unicorn craft! Participants will start by cutting out a unicorn head silhouette from sturdy cardboard, then bring it to life with a vibrant, flowing mane made of colorful yarn. Choose from a variety of bright hues to create a unique rainbow effect, braiding or layering the strands for extra texture. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and results in a whimsical unicorn masterpiece to take home and display. Let your imagination run wild as you craft a one-of-a-kind mythical friend!

Dragon Eye
Step into a world of fantasy with our shimmering dragon eye drawing activity! Using markers on tin foil, participants will create a mesmerizing, glistening dragon eye that captures the light with an otherworldly glow. To enhance the dramatic effect, oil pastels on black cardstock will be used to draw the textured, scaly area surrounding the eye. This combination of bold colors and metallic shine brings the dragon’s gaze to life, making each artwork feel magical and mysterious.

Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees participate in kids' craft activities with a Fantasy Faire actor dressed in a whimsical yellow dress and colorful butterfly wings at a tented booth outdoors. Other attendees walk passed in the background.
Fantasy Faire 2019 attendees participate in kids' craft activities with adult supervision outdoors.
Image of three performers outside at Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts. Each performer is dressed in their own unique fantasy garb and is playing an instrument. Two of the performers have string instruments and one has a flute-like instrument. In the background are Fantasy Faire visitors participating in the rising of the Spring Pole. The pole is tall, thing, and a light brown color. The visitors are wrapping colorful ribbon around it.

Wandering Musicians

The Meandering Minstrel
Sean Reidy performs traditional music ranging back to the Middle Ages on a variety of bagpipes and whistles.

Cast Members

King William: Michael Muzzarelli
Queen Grace: Chrissie Capece Muzzarelli
Witch Hazel: Bobbi J. Kukal
Witch: Natasha Thompson
Rumplestiltskin: James Thompson
Fool:Paul “cheever” Ranck
Baron of the North: Steven Fisher
Baron of the South: Anthony Kukal
Baroness of the East: Heidi Dugan
Baron of the West: Brian Danner
Bruno the Mercenary Captain: Tanner Cossaboon
Brunhilda the Lady-in-Waiting: Rachael Smith
Tournament Master: Ahmed Graves-El
Accuser #1: Kat Butler
Accuser #2: Chelsey Schindler
Accuser #3: Ashley Piper
Champions: Mystic Realms Sword Team
Ruffians & Peasants: Phoenix Swords

Fantasy Faire Parade group photo

Feast in the Food Court

Frosbite
Karen and the Nut
Mac’s & Munchies
Matty G Dogz, LLC
Noodle Wagon
Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine

Click here for the 2025 Fantasy Faire Merchant Application

Meet the Merchants!

8 Bit Hues
Beads on Cypress
Bee Cool Pollination & Honey
Books A Million
Bright Ideas To Go
Cherelle Oriolo
Clay Dough Co
Courtly Tours
Crocheted by Clare
Cryptwick Candleworks
Dopey Dragon Dry Goods
Glitter & Glue
Happy Little Snacks
Hebrew Hammer Blacksmith
Henna by Drax
Immovable Objects
Jen Ottepka Photography
Kattnhubbyskreations
Kilted Gamer
Land of Odds N Ends
LunaCraft Creations
M&M 3D Creations
Madam Metatron Tarot Reading
Melissa Mouse Travels
Melody’s Eye Candy
Plague Industry Props
Red Hourglass Creations
Plants by Laura
Shadowcat Jewelry
Terranova Treasures
The BowLady
Tori’s Critters
Uniques Handcrafted Jewelry
Whisto LLC
WHOONU
Wolfsheart
Zotia Gems

The program schedule is subject to change. Please check back for updates.

Armchair Wizards on an outdoor stage, performing for a crowd.